Dutch shipbuilder Damen has launched its latest 70-metre yacht support vessel, Game Changer, complete with helicopter hangar. Game Changer is the fourth yacht support vessel in the 70-metre segment from Damen, following the delivery of Intrepid, 6711 and Garçon.

Game Changer from Damen

Game Changer from Damen

This latest launch also follows last year’s delivery and sale of the 55-metre showcase vessel Fast & Furious. With its yacht support range, Damen is now an established leader in this rapidly developing niche. In total, 11 vessels have been delivered or are in build.

Mark Vermeulen, product director at Damen, said, ”Our clients want to go to exciting new destinations with less established superyacht infrastructure and they want to have more fun with larger tenders, larger helicopters and submersibles.

“They also want to take more staff, guides, pilots and security personnel with them. Game Changer is the massive leap forward in capability that they need, but at a much lower cost than a larger yacht. Plus, they get all the benefits of flexible operations and privacy. That’s why we call it the Smart Stretch.“

The vessel features a fully certified helideck so owners can take larger helicopters on long-range flights to yachts and land safely in harsher weather conditions. Using the hangar, the helicopter can remain safe from the elements, be refuelled, and be available for take-off without causing disruption and noise on the main yacht.

Additionally, Game Changer has 250 square metres of open deck space for tenders and toys. The large deck crane allows for simple deployment and haul-out of toys.

Below deck, there is a further 110m2 storage space, a dive centre with decompression chamber, as well as offices and accommodation for 22 crew and staff. It can carry a large quantity of extra provisions, all types of fuel, luggage, and spare parts.